FAQ

Canvas is the LMS (Learning Management System) used at MWSU to deliver online and hybrid courses and to enhance traditional face-to-face courses. It is an innovative, user-friendly learning management system that expands the possibilities for teaching and learning. It is likely that you will use Canvas in one of your classes at MWSU.

Online classes become available one week before the start of the semester. At that time, you can log into Canvas and access the course syllabus. Most instructors do not release the course content until the semester officially starts. If you register late, your course may not be available for 24 hours. If it is the first day of the semester and you still do not see your course(s), please contact the Help Desk at 816-271-4555.

What are the technical requirements for using Canvas?smixon12018-05-03T15:34:22+00:00

Canvas supports the last two versions of a browser release. For the best user experience, use the newest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari or Internet Explorer. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Safari. We have seen some minor issues with Internet Explorer. For the most up-to-date information on browsers please go to the Student Guide on Supported Browsers.

Where can I get help with my Canvas Login?smixon12018-05-03T15:35:04+00:00

If you need help with Canvas, simply click the Help Menu in the right hand side of the Canvas window. There you will find access to a support hotline that is available 24/7, 365 days a year. You will also find a “Chat” tool for accessing Canvas Support, as well as, Canvas Guides that provide step by step directions that can be printed.

Can I access Canvas Courses on my smartphone or tablet?smixon12018-05-03T15:35:49+00:00

Once you are logged into Canvas, click the “Inbox” link to access Canvas’s Messaging system. In the “To” box, select your instructor (type his/her name and then select their name from the drop down list); type a subject in the “Subject” box; compose your message and send.

The vast majority of distance education courses at Missouri Western State University are offered 100% online. Some courses are a blend of online instruction and face-to-face instruction. A few distance education courses are offered via synchronous video-conferencing.

Fully online courses allow students to complete college courses at times and places that meet their schedule and environment. Students are generally able to complete assignments from anywhere there is an Internet connection and can do so with some flexibility of when the work is done.

Blended courses require occasional face-to-face meetings for instruction and/or interaction with other students that is most effective in a face-to-face situation.

Synchronous video-conferencing is where students are at multiple locations participating with the instructor and other students through video-conferencing.

How do I know if I am ready to take online courses?smixon12018-05-03T15:30:00+00:00

Missouri Western’s online classes are not self-paced and are as demanding and rigorous as traditional face-to-face courses. Each course has a beginning and end date, and are actively led by an instructor which will provide deadlines for assigned homework, reading, and online discussions. The Instructor will provide specific instructions for submitting assignments either through the course web site, e-mail, regular mail, or fax. You will be expected to complete all online course activities by the specified due date.

What skills do I need to succeed in an online class?smixon12018-04-18T21:07:23+00:00

You must know how to operate a computer, download and upload files, search for information using a web browser, have an active MWSU e-mail account, send documents as attachments, create PDFs, save and transfer movies, and use of Google applications.

Do I have to sign on at a particular time?smixon12018-05-03T15:30:10+00:00

Most courses allow you to sign in at any time of the day or night. You will still need to meet the course due dates and deadlines and will need to plan your schedule accordingly. Many instructors in use Zoom for online office hours. For more information on Zoom, click here.

I have a disability, is it possible to get accommodations for an online course?smixon12018-05-03T15:31:03+00:00

Online assignments are subject to the same standards of integrity that apply in traditional face-to-face classes. It is cheating to copy from others or from outside sources on any online assignment, quiz or exam (unless otherwise specified by the instructor). Your online instructor may use Turnitin Anti Plagiarism software to verify that submitted work is your own. For more information on Academic Integrity, please see the Student Handbook.

What resources are available online from Missouri Western’s library?smixon12018-04-18T21:09:06+00:00

Many library resources are online and available to all enrolled students at Missouri Western. Currently, there are over 70 electronic databases that are available online. For more information on what our library has to offer, please visit the library website.

How do I get my books and course materials?smixon12018-05-03T15:30:41+00:00

You are responsible for getting your textbook and course materials for your online course(s). Textbook information can be obtained from the Western Bookstore. You can also obtain textbook and course materials from the course syllabus, available inside your Moodle course one week before the start of the course. Textbooks can be purchased from the Missouri Western University.

By using the computer, how may I communicate with my instructor and other class members?smixon12018-04-18T21:10:01+00:00

You will access the course web site, online message boards, and the instructor’s e-mail address to stay informed regarding assignments, syllabus changes, exam dates, and to communicate with other classmates online. Your instructor will most likely give you instructions on how to communicate and find course announcements. Most instructors will require students to submit their homework assignments through the course web site or via e-mail. Instructors usually try to respond to your e-mail questions in 24 – 48 hours.

I have attempted to contact my instructor several times without a reply. What should I do?smixon12018-04-18T21:10:20+00:00

For electronic access to over 70 MWSU library databases your user ID and password are the same ID and password you use to check your Missouri Western e-mail account. Visit the MWSU Library at https://www.missouriwestern.edu/library/.

Do I have to use my Missouri Western e-mail account?smixon12018-04-18T21:10:50+00:00

All official information (mid-term grades, access codes, etc.) the university sends out to you, by electronic means, goes only to your Missouri Western e-mail account. Some instructors will only communicate with students through their Missouri Western e-mail accounts as well.

If I have difficulty with assignments, whom do I contact?smixon12018-05-03T15:31:50+00:00

If you have difficulty with your assignments, you should first contact your instructor for help. The Center for Academic Support may also provide assistance with your assignments. You should always start your assignments early in case a problem or questions arise. This will give you enough time to e-mail your instructor or contact the Center for Academic Support for assistance. Online courses are dependent upon web servers to be up and running at all times. However, unexpected outages to web servers and computers, as well as student’s internet service providers may be down unexpectedly due to factors beyond the control of Missouri Western. You may not be able to connect to the course web site to work on your assignments in such instances. It is always important to work ahead.

What happens if I cannot connect to the Internet?smixon12018-04-18T21:11:20+00:00

1. Contact your Internet Service Provider to see whether the problem is theirs or not.

2. If it is not a problem with your Internet Service Provider, then you should contact the Information Technology Office Help Desk at (816) 271-4555 for assistance. The Information Technology Office will also be able to tell you if there are any problems with the course web site.

3. If you are unable to solve the problem with the Information Technology Office, or if the problem will take more time to solve, contact your instructor. Inform the instructor of your situation, and make arrangements to complete your work in another way. It is usually best to find another computer that you can use to complete the work (i.e. at a friend’s house, work, the library).

What if I need assistance with my computer skills?smixon12018-04-18T21:12:01+00:00

Your instructors will tell you when evaluations are available to complete. Please make sure you complete the evaluations because your feedback helps the instructors and the university to continually improve the distance education program at Missouri Western. Evaluations will be available toward the end of each semester.

What are the 5 Steps to Online Success?smixon12018-05-03T15:32:25+00:00

2. Communicate – Engage in course conversations and discussions with your instructor and peers. Are you confused? Ask your instructor for clarification. Use appropriate netiquette for all your communications.

3. Manage Your Time – Procrastination is the downfall of many online students. Don’t fall victim to procrastination; plan your study times and stick to them. Set goals for yourself. You need to be self-disciplined and self-motivated.

4. Be Tech Ready – You need to have basic technical skills to succeed. These include creating and editing documents, navigating the internet and file management. If you type fewer than 25 words per minute you may find the online environment frustrating.

5. Be Persistent – Recognize when you are having technical or academic issues and seek assistance. Missouri Western has many student support services available to assist you.